Suzuki GS 500.....who likes it who does not.....

[rtarrow]

Hey all i gotta say i love the gs500 as i have just rebuilt my 2006 faired model using a 1990 model frame after i was hit by a car and it was so simple just to transfer the engine nd electrical over and it runs like a dream the only real difference is its an unfaired model now

[scramblerracer123]

I bought a 1992 GS500 for my girlfriend(now wife) to learn on in 1995.  She never got to be comfortable on a bike, but I kept it and I rode it back and forth to class then work- put 40K miles on it in 3 years never did anything but change the oil.  Eventually I couldn't afford insurance on a GSXR and the 500 so I got rid of the GSXR.  My buddies made fun of the little bike but it was a very inexpensive bike to have and ride, wish I still had it.  

[Chuck 500]

I love my GS500F.  This is my first bike.  I took the advice of my basic rider course coach and looked for a bike in the 450 to 650 cc range.  I had been looking at GS500 on the net any way.  I lost one (2007 with 1500 miles) to indecision. I found another and jumped on it.  It is a 2007 I bought in July 2008 with 400 miles on it.  I now have 6,600 miles.  I commute as much as possible and ride extended rides most weekends.  I plan some 400+ mile trips for next year.

On the plus side, the bile is reliable, and simple.  Being air cooled, it lacks the additional complexity of a radiator and coolant.  Seating position is neutral.  I added SW-Moteck bar backs because I wanted to be more upright and I have short arms (5'6").  This bile has proved to be relatively inexpensive to repair following a few newbie errors resulting in dropping it int he street.

The negative side is the lack of after market.  I am looking to add a touring style wind screen but have found only one so far.  Seat options are even more limited barring custom.

Overall, I am well pleased with the bike and heartily recommend it to nay one.

Here is a photo on my recent ride from Houston to Matagorda, Texas.  Round trip 200 miles.

 

Keep the shiny side up,

Chuck

[nater]

A 94 GS500 was my first streetbike.  By the time I got it 2005, it looked a bit rough-- the suspension was shot (forks were bent, seals did not seal anything) and the electrical was on the fritz.  But, in spite of that, it was easy to learn on.  I sold it to a friend after I put 5000 miles on it.  I knew that bike was not long for this world after my friend (who I sold the bike too) started telling me stories of jumping railroad tracks with it.  Sure enough, he wrecked it about 8 months later.

[Mike996]

We just got my wife a 2005 gs500f for her starter bike. Found it at a dealership with just under 6k miles on it. I knew the salesman and he gave us a good deal (3 grand cash) not including TT&L of course.

My biggest issues with the bike are:

1. NO gas gauge
2. Tiny rear tire
3. Lack of aftermarket

The biggest   for it are:

1. It corners like mad!
2. You can fit a katana rear rim, rotor and tire to fit a meatier tire on the rear.

Im used to riding my Superhawk, so the power doesnt do anything for me, but the GS definately outcorners my bike without a doubt.

[TonyKZ1]

I like it, there's a lot of support for it over on the GSTwin GS500 Forum. If I would have found one before I got my little Ninja, then I'd be riding that instead.
Tony

[Mike996]

I like it, there's a lot of support for it over on the GSTwin GS500 Forum. If I would have found one before I got my little Ninja, then I'd be riding that instead.
Tony

Thats the site i got the info on fitting a Katana rear rim / tire on.  

[nater]

We just got my wife a 2005 gs500f for her starter bike. Found it at a dealership with just under 6k miles on it. I knew the salesman and he gave us a good deal (3 grand cash) not including TT&L of course.

My biggest issues with the bike are:

1. NO gas gauge
2. Tiny rear tire
3. Lack of aftermarket

The biggest   for it are:

1. It corners like mad!
2. You can fit a katana rear rim, rotor and tire to fit a meatier tire on the rear.

Im used to riding my Superhawk, so the power doesnt do anything for me, but the GS definately outcorners my bike without a doubt.

A lot of bikes don't have fuel gages.  (I haven't owned one that did).
The tiny rear tire is inexpensive to replace and the bike dosen't need a bigger one.
I hear you on the aftermarket thing, but if there is no demand for it...